Highlander's Kiss: The McDougalls, Books 1-3

by Hildie McQueen

  Although he'd remained neutral in the war, he had made powerful enemies. There were many who'd pay handsomely for a beautiful wench to drive a dirk between his shoulder blades while making love. That nigh was a wonderful mistake he'd not made before, and would not make again.

  Obviously, luck stood on his side today. He lifted up and met the cerulean half-closed eyes. The sated beauty appeared to be as curious about him, as he of her. She studied his face with open interest.

  Jamie rolled to his side and held back a smile when Cailyn snuggled into his side with a satisfied sigh. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

  Questions had to be asked. He tipped her chin up to speak to her, but at the delicious pursed lips so near, he could not help himself, he kissed her instead. The kiss deepened until she moaned, and Jamie found his hand on her hip, pulling her against him.

  His senses were clouded. He drew back.

  "I feel I'm at a disadvantage. You know exactly who I am, but I, on the other hand, know nothing about you."

  She bit her bottom lip and slid her gaze away. Jamie stiffened, not sure he wanted to hear her answer. "I…I came to find you, actually," Cailyn began.

  "Who sent you?" Jamie slid up and leaned on the pillows, forcing a calm façade.

  With lazy motions, as if not having a care in the world, Cailyn sat up and lifted a corner of the bedding to cover her nudity. He held back a groan at the enticing picture she made. Chestnut-brown hair tussled from lovemaking fell in waves past her shoulders. Her plump lips were red and swollen from the intensity of his kisses. "No one sent me, I am my own person," She protested, her brows pinched together. "I decided this was the best course to keep war from my clan."

  "You are a true McDougall, then?" Jamie resisted leaving the bed. If the blasted McDougall's sent her in order to detain him, so they could sequester Victoria, then they had succeeded. Anger began to brew, more at himself than at her.

  "Yes," Cailyn lifted her chin with pride.

  "Your Laird knows you came to see me, then?"

  "What?" Her mouth fell open. "If my brother were aware of you being here, with a show of force off our shores, he'd not come with peace in mind. Neither one of my brothers are aware of you being here as of yet. I intercepted the messenger and made the decision to come see you myself…after…" She pressed her lips together and her brows drew into a straight line.

  "After?" he prompted, his arms crossed over his chest. "Go on."

  "Victoria sent me to…to delay you." She stuttered coloring slightly. Surely his sister did not expect the delay tactic to be for Cailyn to seduce him!

  "Why would Victoria send you to delay me?" Jamie narrowed his eyes. "Where is my sister?"

  "I won't tell you, neither will any Scot in the region."

  "I've become aware of that," Jamie replied with more patience than he felt at the moment. "That is why I'm prepared to take my army north of here and find her."

  Cailyn blanched. "Your sister would be cross with you if you did such a thing."

  He reached for her, took hold of her upper arms, and drew her closer. "Why did my sister send you?" He asked, emphasizing each word. "Tell me, what has she gotten herself into?"

  "She wishes to wait for my brother Conor to return from battle. He's gone to help our cousins, who are in a fight with those blasted McNeil's over land. They always ask for one of my brothers to attend, as our stronger clan sets those bastards on their heels with haste."

  Her proud statement made him want to smile, but he resisted. "Continue."

  "Victoria promised Conor she'd wait. So she refuses to leave until he returns. She's afraid he’ll be distracted during battle, and perhaps fall to his demise."

  "Am I to understand that after your clan killed my sister's husband, burned their home to the ground, kidnapped her, and brought her here against her will, she still wishes to assure your brother’s safety? What nonsense do you speak, woman?"

  Cailyn flinched; Jamie realized his fingers dug into her soft flesh. "I apologize," he told her, releasing the hold.

  She rubbed her upper arms, but did not say anything. Her eyes went to the dark window. "It is late; I should go to my chamber."

  "Not until you explain everything," he replied.

  "There is nothing more I can say. I do not know her reasons for wishing to remain until Conor returns. The rest you'll have to ask of Victoria when you see her."

  "I will not relent until you tell me where she is," Jamie cautioned. "I must see her and assure myself that she is well, before I call off my rescue. When I find her, I will take her back to England with me."

  "She is at my home," Cailyn told him with a sigh. "She is well and she asked that I give you a note."

  "Where is this note?"

  "It is in my chamber, in my bag." She shrugged. "I'll get it."

  She slid from the bed. In splendid nudity, she moved to retrieve her clothing. "I will bring it to you at daybreak. There’s nothing much you can do until morning.”

  She was right, of course. It would be a death trap to ride into the darkness of unknown territory. But he'd be damned if she'd leave his sight.

  "I do believe there is much I can do until daybreak." He lifted from the bed and went to her. Cailyn yelped in surprise when he crushed her against him. "For what I intend, this is not needed." He removed the piece of clothing from her hand and dropped it onto a nearby chair.

  Her soft velvety skin under his roughened palms brought a reminder of the finer things in life, things he'd given up long ago, for life at sea. Jamie inhaled the flowery scent of her hair and closed his eyes, imagining how it would be to have such a creature with him always. A luxury he'd given up. Long ago lost many opportunities in exchange for what he did. The companionship, a wife. He pushed the thoughts away and ran his hands from her waist to the curves of her plump bottom, enjoying the lushness. Not short of stature, she fit perfectly against him. Her breasts full and high on her chest, presently pressed against his harder one, brought his cock to full-mast once again.

  Her hands moved down his back, her nails trailing a delicious path. Cailyn's eyes searched his. "I don't understand this…this thing between us," she told him, her brows drawn together. "It feels natural, yet it's something I have never done."

  "You were not a virgin, have you not enjoyed your other lovers?" Jamie asked, not sure he wanted to hear the answer.

  Cailyn bit a corner of her lip in thought. He kissed the opposite corner and she nodded, sliding her hands back up his back. "I've had one true lover, I was betrothed."

  "Was?"

  "Yes, hand fasted, actually. After an Englishman and his men attacked my men and attempted to rape me, my betrothed's family assumed I'd been ruined and returned me to my family."

  "The Englishman?"

  "Lord Turner."

  Ahh, the reason for her clan's revenge. Anger filled him. "Did your fiancé not stand up for you? After all, you'd already lain with him."

  Her shoulders lifted, and she looked away. "It's not important now."

  "It is," Jamie tilted her chin up to face him. "It was not fair to you."

  An impish grin curved her lips. "I cannot believe we're having such a serious conversation while standing here bare as babes." Hands behind his neck, she drew him to her. "I'd rather be kissed right now, Captain Westcott."

  The instant their lips met, Jamie lost track of thought other than joining with her again. He lifted her and carried her back to the bed.

  She did not release him, and both fell onto the cooled bedding. "Have you ridden a man before?" Jamie asked her between kisses. "I want to show you something new."

  "No," she replied and began a trail of nips and kisses down the side of his neck. "Show me."

  He rolled onto his back, bringing her with him. Her rounded eyes met his questioning.

  Hands on her hips, he lifted her. "Guide me to your sheath," he instructed.

  Her fingers reached between them and wrapped around him. Jamie groaned at
her touch, not sure he'd be able to last long once inside her.

  "You enjoy my touch." Cailyn stroked him, "I like that you do."

  With clenched teeth, he nodded. "If you continue, I will not remain hard for long, and will spill my seed."

  "Hmm." She finally did as he bid and guided him to her center. The head of his cock at her entrance, he pushed up gently, allowing for her body to become accustomed to the invasion. She was so tight and he didn't want to hurt her.

  "Oh!" Cailyn pushed down, completing their joining. Jamie groaned as well, her wet heat surrounded his throbbing length.

  "Place your hands on my chest Cailyn." Once she did, he guided her back up, then down several times, until she took over and began to ride him with an intent expression. He watched her features soften and her lips part, as she grew closer to completion.

  He lifted his hips to meet her descent, and their joined motion became fervent, a race to a goal so intense, Jamie wasn't sure he could maintain the pace.

  Her sheath milked him when she cried out his name, and Jamie barely heard her as he too fell away into bliss, his body arching off the bed. He struggled to keep a semblance of control, but lost the fight and cried out, as well.

  Cailyn collapsed against his chest, trembling. He placed the blanket over them and held her, kissing her face until she settled.

  "Thank you," she whispered, "I will never forget this…you.”

  Her words were meant to reassure him. A clear message that she did not expect anything from him had the opposite affect. The lass had touched a part of him long kept dormant.

  "Nor will I you," he replied.

  Jamie's eyes flew open. There could be a result to their lovemaking. He'd not pulled out. He'd spilled his seed inside her.

  He fell asleep wondering why such a consequence felt more alike a welcome thing.

  Chapter 9

  Sunrise came too soon. Cailyn took a deep breath and turned to her side. She opened her eyes and she found herself still in Jamie's bed, only this time alone. Her heart lurched and she leaped from the bed to where her clothes were now folded neatly on a chair. She threw clothes on and went straight to her room across the hall.

  Just as she went to pick up the leather bag that held Victoria's note, a knock sounded at the door.

  "Cailyn, are you awake?" Dugan asked; his words tight.

  "Come in, Cousin," Cailyn called over her shoulder. Her hand inside the bag, she took out Victoria's note.

  The door swung open and Dugan stepped through. "Why'd you take so long to rise today? This is my second time coming to knock."

  "I didn't hear you," Victoria lied. "Strange, since I never sleep so deeply, don't you think?" She cocked her head to the side, studying her handsome cousin, who narrowed his eyes.

  "The others want to know if we depart today."

  "Yes, but I must speak to Captain Westcott first. Have you seen him as yet?"

  "Aye, he came downstairs to break his fast, and then went out. I followed him. He met with his men, most of who went out on a dingy to the ship. He managed to slip away from us and we haven't seen him since."

  Why would Jamie go about his day and not demand Victoria's note? He must actually trust her to wait and deliver it to him.

  "I must see him and deliver this note." Victoria slapped the parchment against her hip. "I suppose I must find him then.

  "If you'd been up when I came to find you earlier, perhaps you could have done so. I don't care for the man. Let's hope he joins his men and sails off."

  Dugan went to the window as if to see if the ships were indeed sailing off. He made her chuckle. "Yes well, you'll maintain from angering him, we don't want war Dugan, not now so soon after it ending."

  Her cousin only grunted in reply.

  "We'll wait for him to exit before leaving then," she told him, and sat on the bed. "Dugan, can I ask you something personal?" She waited for his amber eyes to meet hers.

  "I suppose," he looked to the door as if he'd rather escape than listen to what she'd ask.

  "Do men ever fall in love with a woman who gives herself freely, without regard for propriety?"

  He frowned and shifted his eyes back to the window, past her, and then to the doorway. "I don't know, I suppose it depends on the nature of the situation," Dugan replied, swallowing visibly. His eyes widened, and he took a step back when she stood. "You should ask someone else. I am not sure why you're asking me." He held his hands up as if to defend himself.

  Realization dawned, and Cailyn let out a loud laugh. "Oh goodness, Dugan, I am not referring to you and me that one time…we were young idiots." She left off and began to laugh again. "I'm sorry, just something I considered last night."

  He visibly relaxed. "Right, well then, I will go and tell the others we shall wait for the captain to exit." He dashed from the room and Cailyn followed in his tracks. "So you don't love me then, Dugan?" She teased and giggled when he scowled up at her.

  "Don't you have things to do? Your hair is a tangled mess, cousin," Dugan replied and rushed down the stairs.

  Cailyn reached up to touch the locks, which were as Dugan described. A memory of a very nude Captain Westcott, ensuring she earned every one of the tangles made her hesitate. She hurried to change and wash up.

  Two hours later, Jamie entered the inn. His hair was windblown, his cheeks reddened by cold wind. Her heart jumped at the sight of him.

  Dressed for riding, he scanned the room until he found her. A brow cocked, but other than that, he remained aloof.

  "I'll ask him to come over," Dugan grumbled, and stood.

  Cailyn noticed that both men were about the same height. Dugan was broader and bulkier than the lean muscular Jamie. The men spoke and Jamie's eyes flicked over to her. He then followed Dugan to the table.

  "Miss McDougall," Jamie bowed at the waist, his eyes locked to hers.

  She was aware that everyone in the inn had stopped talking and now watched them. Cailyn waved to a chair. "Please, Captain Westcott won’t you join us."

  Dugan scowled not looking at either her or the captain.

  Cailyn slid the parchment across the table toward Jamie. "This is a missive from Victoria; she asks you give your reply to me."

  Jamie reached for the parchment and tore it open. Victoria's flourished handwriting reassured him. As Cailyn had told him the night before, his sister did indeed request Jamie put off coming for her. Victoria informed him she'd come to him instead, once Conor McDougall returned from battle. She then went on to inform him she was no longer a maiden, and therefore not under his control.

  It was signed "Torrie", his nickname for her, which reinforced Victoria was not in distress at all.

  Jamie let out a breath and looked up at Cailyn. At meeting her beautiful eyes, his first thought was to grab her and throw her atop the table and feast upon her. It shocked him how much he wanted to take this vixen back to his ship and sail away, spending endless days and nights with her.

  "Tell my sister I will await her. But I will only remain for three days. At that point, I will come for her."

  "I will tell her." Cailyn looked to her brawny companion. "Cousin, tell the men we leave as soon as I collect my things. Please get the horses." She stood, as did the captain and her cousin, who then strode to the door.

  "Will you return with her?" Jamie wasn't sure why he asked. Obviously she had no plans to see him again.

  She slid a look to the stairs. "Meet me upstairs in my room." She left the table and walked to the stairs.

  He waited enough time to not rouse suspicions, and then went up the stairs to find Cailyn in her chamber, placing items in her bag.

  Not sure of her reaction if he went to touch her, Jamie remained just inside the doorway. Relief flooded him when she came to him and leaned into his chest. His arms around her, he nuzzled her hair inhaling the sweet perfume.

  She looked up at him. "I'd hoped for a farewell kiss."

  Their mouths met with an ardent kiss that drew him in. He'd not had
enough of this woman, needed more.

  When they finally pulled apart, her eyes were bright. "I will do my best to accompany Victoria when she comes to meet with you."

  "Come back to me," Jamie told her, and pressed his lips upon hers again.

  "Cailyn!" Dugan's voice at the doorway, just behind Jamie, jerked them apart. He stared at them, mouth agape.

  "Let's go!" Cailyn flew toward her cousin and grabbed his arm with both hands. "Come on, Dugan." She dragged the man away, whose face had colored to a dark shade of red, and fists curled.

  Jamie braced for the first hit, which he'd allow.

  For some strange reason the man allowed Cailyn to usher him away. She turned one last time to Jamie.

  "I'll return to you, Captain."

  "Are you mad?" her companion asked as they left.

  Chapter 10

  With a frustrated sigh, Victoria put the thick poetry book down on to her lap and looked through the window to the back garden. No use in attempting to read the same refrain again.

  It no longer surprised her that her thoughts strayed too often to the handsome Highlander who'd brought her to Somerset Keep. Conor McDougall remained at the forefront of her thoughts and dreams since she'd descended into his bed and into his arms. The impression he'd left with his soft caresses and hard body still remained with her.

  No, she would not deny it. She'd fallen in love with Conor McDougall. What a predicament. It was much too soon for the depth of emotions she felt, on some level she understood that. At the same time, other than her brothers, never had she felt so safeguarded, so protected except with him. Victoria drew her legs up onto the chair and curled into a ball, pressing the book against her chest.

  Footsteps sounded and she started to let her presence be known, but then Calum McDougall spoke to whoever accompanied him. "Conor must marry the McNeil lass,” the laird said. "Go to the borderlands and find him. Give my brother my missive. It's time to stop this war between the clans."

  A deep voice grumbled a reply she could not hear over the pounding beat of her heart. In hopes they'd not find out she overheard, Victoria kept quiet and listened.